FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about GaugeFlow QMS.
General
Who is GaugeFlow QMS for?
GaugeFlow is built for manufacturing companies that need to manage blueprint-driven inspections, traceability, calibration, and quality documentation. It is used by CNC machine shops, aerospace suppliers, defense contractors, medical device manufacturers, and precision machining operations of all sizes.
Is GaugeFlow only for aerospace?
No. While GaugeFlow has strong aerospace capabilities (AS9102, AS9100 support), it is designed for any manufacturing environment where blueprint requirements drive inspections and documentation. Precision machining, medical, defense, and general manufacturing companies all use GaugeFlow.
Can GaugeFlow replace our spreadsheets?
Yes. Most shops come to GaugeFlow from spreadsheet-based quality systems. GaugeFlow replaces disconnected Excel files for inspection tracking, calibration management, cert generation, and traceability. All of your quality data lives in one connected system instead of scattered across files and folders.
How is GaugeFlow different from a generic QMS or ERP?
GaugeFlow is purpose-built for manufacturing quality — specifically the flow from engineering drawings to inspections to traceability to compliance documentation. Generic QMS and ERP platforms treat quality as one module among many. GaugeFlow treats it as the primary workflow and builds everything around it.
Features & Capabilities
Does GaugeFlow support FAI / AS9102?
Yes. GaugeFlow supports the full AS9102 First Article Inspection workflow — Form 1 (Part Number Accountability), Form 2 (Product Accountability / Raw Material), and Form 3 (Characteristic Accountability). FAI reports are auto-populated from your inspection data and can be exported to PDF or customer-required formats.
What is blueprint ballooning?
Blueprint ballooning is the process of marking up engineering drawings with numbered callouts (balloons) that identify each critical dimension, tolerance, and feature. In GaugeFlow, balloons are linked to inspection templates — so every dimension you mark becomes a traceable inspection step.
Can it handle cert packets and traceability?
Yes. GaugeFlow generates complete certificate packets that include Certificates of Conformance, inspection results, material certifications, calibration records, and any other documentation your customer requires. Full traceability links every shipped part back to its material, inspection results, and calibration records.
Does GaugeFlow support multiple inspectors?
Yes. GaugeFlow supports multiple inspectors with role-based access control. Each inspector has their own login, and inspection records are attributed to the individual who performed them. Managers can review, approve, and audit inspection data across all inspectors.
Does it support machine shops with in-process inspection?
Yes. GaugeFlow supports in-process inspection checkpoints tied to specific operations in the production routing. Inspectors can record in-process measurements as parts move through production, catching issues early rather than at final inspection.
Deployment & Security
Can GaugeFlow be deployed on-premise?
Yes. For ITAR environments, defense contractors, and organizations that need local data control, GaugeFlow offers on-premise and private cloud deployment options. On-prem deployments include installation support, configuration, and ongoing maintenance assistance.
Can it support regulated environments (AS9100, ISO 13485, ITAR)?
Yes. GaugeFlow is designed for regulated manufacturing environments. It provides the audit trails, controlled documentation, traceability, role-based access, and document retention capabilities that AS9100, ISO 13485, and ITAR-conscious operations require.
Where is customer data stored?
For cloud deployments, data is stored in secure, US-based data centers with encryption at rest and in transit. For on-premise deployments, data stays entirely on your own infrastructure. You choose the deployment model that fits your security and compliance requirements.
Is my data secure?
Yes. GaugeFlow uses AES-256 encryption at rest, TLS 1.3 for data in transit, role-based access control, immutable audit trails, and regular security testing. For organizations with additional security requirements, on-premise deployment provides full data sovereignty.
Getting Started
How long does onboarding take?
Most shops are up and running within 3–5 business days. Onboarding includes account setup, initial configuration, user training, and importing your first parts and drawings. More complex deployments (on-prem, multi-site, data migration) may take 2–4 weeks depending on scope.
Can we migrate existing inspection data?
Yes. Our team can help migrate existing inspection records, calibration data, part databases, and documents from spreadsheets or other systems. Data migration scope and timeline depend on the volume and format of your existing data.
Is training included?
Yes. Every GaugeFlow subscription includes onboarding training for your team. This covers system navigation, blueprint ballooning, inspection workflows, calibration management, and reporting. Additional training sessions are available as an add-on.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. We offer a free trial so your team can explore the platform before committing. Contact our sales team to start your trial with guided onboarding support.
What kind of support is available?
All plans include email support. Shop tier and above include priority support with faster response times. Compliance and Enterprise tiers include a dedicated success manager. We also offer custom support packages for organizations with specific requirements.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to answer any questions about GaugeFlow QMS, deployment options, or how it fits your specific manufacturing quality process.